High Performance Leadership
Leadership Excellence
October 16th, 2011
This is the speech given at Anjuman School at the valedictory ceremony of the Youth Leadership Program (YLP) conducted there for a period of 8 weeks.
Also read:
How to organize a Youth Leadership Program (YLP)?
High Performance Leadership - Project Ideas / Requirements
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Abdul Kalam once said "The ignited minds of the youth
are the most powerful resources on the earth above the earth and under the
earth". We, the toastmasters from Division G made an attempt to
create a spark in the minds of the youth in Anjuman School, by conducting the
Youth Leadership Program.
Youth Leadership Program, shortly called as YLP follows a
standard curriculum from Toastmasters International. YLP provides an
opportunity for fellow toastmasters to give back to the community. YLP for Anjuman
school students was funded and organized by US Consulate.
We had a group of 20 faculties - 15 toastmasters and 5
non-toastmasters. We divided nearly 100 students into 4 different groups. Each
classroom had at least 3 toastmasters’ faculties and 1 non-toastmaster faculty.
We conducted the workshop for 6 days during the weekends. We
trained the students on 6 different skills:
1. Prepared speeches
2. Impromptu speeches
3. Evaluations
4. Debates
5. Listening
6. Leadership
YLP workshops are similar to what we do in regular
toastmasters meeting. The students come and do the various roles and the
faculties guide them to effectively do their roles.
Ralph Smedley the founder of toastmasters once said "We
learn best in moments of enjoyment". This is true in case of the YouthLeadership Program. The faculty in each class room ensured that there was enthusiasm
and excitement throughout the session. The student felt very comfortable in the
class rooms which maximized their creativity and learning.
One thing that amazed me during the whole program is the
commitment and sincerity of our toastmasters. I saw the PASSION in them to
TEACH. I saw the DESIRE in them to SERVE. I saw the DETERMINATION in them to
LEAD. I didn’t have to put any effort in managing them. They were all
self-managed and self-motivated. I was just sitting back and enjoying the
entire show.
Overall, the
program turned out to be a HUGE success. It was the final day. We had a
valedictory ceremony. We were all assembled in the auditorium in Anjuman
School. The dignitaries were sitting on the dais - US Consul General Jennifer
McIntyre, Sr. English Language Fellow Mary Kay Seales from US Consulate,
Executive Director of Anjuman Mazharallah
and other executives from Anjuman management. The hall was filled with
100s of students and faculty members. The students came and shared their
toastmastering experiences on the stage.
One student
came to the stage, stood before the mike and confidently said “Today, I’m able
to deliver this speech with confidence, because of toastmasters… we learned to write a speech … we learned to
do impromptu speeches, we learned to work as a team. This is the first time
that I’m addressing a gathering of 100s of people… I don’t have any nervousness
or fear. I’m thankful to toastmasters and I’m going to miss them”.
A drop of tear popped out from my eye. I realized
the impact that we toastmasters can make on the society. I realized how we can
put our communication and leadership skills to the best use.
Personally I learned 6 leadership skills during this project
–
1. organizing a project involving various groups
2. delegation
3. co-ordination
4. leadership without authority
5. leading by example &
6. service leadership
A candle looses nothing by lighting other candles. We, the toastmasters of Division G learned a lot from Anjuman
school students.
We learned
to dream BIG,
We learned
to LISTEN,
We learned
that toastmasters can make a HUGE DIFFERENCE in the society.
We went
there to inspire them, but we came back inspired by them.
We just created
a SPARK. But the little candles that we ignited are going to create a forest
fire. Imagine a world filled with such ignited minds… look at the difference
they can make to their FAMILY, to their SOCIETY, to the COUNTRY and to the WORLD.
I am grateful to Anjuman school students who helped me to discover the LEADER in me.
Also read: Leadership Lessons - What works when you are a Leader
Also read: Leadership Lessons - What works when you are a Leader